History Makers Church as part of the expression of the ministry of the Apostolic Church Australia, has been in Bendigo since 1934.

The Apostolic Church Australia commenced a work in Bendigo in 1934 in a small, former Butchers Shop in Golden Square. Over the years this small Pentecostal expression of the Apostolic Church moved to various meeting places until it built its first permanent building in Ophir St, Golden Square. As the church grew, it moved to the former Bridge St Methodist Church building and eventually to 29 Valentine St in 1980.

From the 1980’s through until 1994 it grew rapidly but in the latter part of this period of time experienced some very difficult leadership challenges. In the latter part of 1994 Pastors Bruce & Jan Claridge returned from a two year study leave in the U.S.A to re-establish the church under the name of Victory Church. In 1995 Victory Christian College was established as the Christian School associated with the church and a new era had begun.

A major focus of these years was the training, releasing and equipping of next generation leaders particularly through the annual History Makers Youth Conference. Mission focus on the nations of Vanuatu and Finland saw churches established in these nations. In 2008 Pastor Bruce Claridge handed the senior leadership role over to his son Nathan who brought a fresh focus on Mission and Justice with a mission expression to Africa, India and local ventures. Pastor Bruce was released to begin History Makers Leadership Training College in 2009. During this time of transition new property was purchased on the main Strathfieldsaye road and new facilities for the Church, Christian School and the newly established History Makers Leadership Training College were built. These “State of the Art” new premises on 8 acres of prime land will provide further opportunities for the Church to impact its surrounding community.

History Makers Church is privileged to build on strong foundations of the past and look to a fresh vision for the future.